Julie Hendrickx Devos has been appointed as the new chairperson of beweging.net, a major network of Christian worker and social organisations, succeeding Peter Wouters.
Devos was officially chosen to lead the Christian workers’ association during a general members’ meeting, where she received unanimous support from the 77 participants, including leaders from partner organisations such as Pax Christi, ACV, Okra, and the Christian Mutuality. With her appointment, Devos becomes the first female chairperson in the century-long history of the organisation.
The search for a new chairperson began in December of the previous year, involving consultations with numerous partner organisations before Devos’s selection was finalised last Saturday.
Hendrickx Devos is recognised as a communicator who embodies the values of beweging.net. Previously, she led the organisation in the Flemish Brabant and Brussels regions and served as a union representative with ACV Puls. She also has experience as a teacher at the Heilig Hart Institute in Heverlee for nearly two decades. At 47 years old, she resides in Linden, near Leuven.
In her new role, Hendrickx Devos aims to increase the movement’s prominence over the next four years and to strengthen its position as a voice for its partner organisations. She intends to counteract the growing right-wing trends and societal coarseness while continuing to build on her predecessor’s work by reinforcing ties with parties like CD&V, Vooruit, and Groen to influence both Flemish and federal policy.
Hendrickx Devos stated, “Many people are unaware that we are a significant partner of organisations like ACV or Femma. I want to be the face of this movement by participating in debates, writing opinion pieces, and more, so that people no longer need to wonder what beweging.net represents.”
Although she acknowledges the historical legacy of ideological pillars in society, Hendrickx Devos emphasises that the future should not replicate the past. “An ideological pillar isn’t inherently negative. They used to provide guidance, but the days of dictating voting choices or educational paths are over. We aim to be a house of trust.”
Beweging.net commented, “Julie is a passionate communicator who embodies the mission and values of our movement. She has the perfect profile to inspire and lead us into the future.”
